Play Book Tag discussion

This is a simple dystopian story that is just long enough to be classified as a novel, but really feels like an extended novelette. In this future, the world has undergone several catastrophes and epidemics, and in the United States, government has broken down. The cities are ruins, the people have banded together in small communities that govern themselves, though they follow similar laws under threat of being outcast or shunned. Population is strictly controlled by contraceptive implants that are removed when one has earned a banner that shows a person has proven to be a productive member of society. The land is cared for, with strict rules about producing only enough food and goods needed by the community, and excess is frowned upon to the point of punishment. Enforcing these laws are the brown-uniformed investigators, who are generally resented by the populace.

Enid is a young investigator called upon to look into a suspicious death. As the investigation progresses, we are told Enid's back story in alternating timelines.

Vaughn's future world is bleak and rather depressing. It appears to be set up to be a series, or at least a setting to be revisited. The character development is a little lacking, though it's interesting enough. They mystery falls a little short in drama and suspense. It's got solid potential, but its simplicity falls along the lines of a young adult novel, although it's not outright designated as such. The mystery was resolved with no cliffhangers, but there is definitely room for more adventures. I'm curious to see where she will take this if she follows it up with another installment.